Wallingford Church Group to Help Poor in Dominican Republic

By Cassandra Day

This summer, one Middletown teen isn't taking it easy during her free last summer before buckling down at university — she's getting helping to bring vital health care to a tiny sugar workers' town in a third-world country. 

Heather Zambrello, an 18-year-old senior at Vinal Technical High School in Middletown, is volunteering with the Dominican Republic Mission Team of Wallingford just after graduation. She is raising funds to travel with a church group to help the poorest of the poor in a small village of farm workers, or batey, in the Dominican Republic. 

"I was inspired to go on this trip because one of my close friends had gone a couple years ago. After hearing the stories of the living conditions, I felt the need to help and really wanted to be a part of making a difference," Heather Zambrello says. 

Her mother, Christine Magnano, of Middletown, is very proud of her daughter. She says volunteers will help build homes and a medical facility to provide basic health services to those who live there and might not otherwise get appropriate care. 

In June, 100 people will travel to help build a hospital, houses, install water filtration, distribute food, run medical clinics and provide educational, social and recreational programs for children.

"I'm excited for the trip because I'll be able to see other lifestyles. It's going to be a great experience. I already know that it will make me grateful and realize how good I have it here," Heather says.  

Ahead of her June journey, she's got lots to accomplish. "I need a passport and I also have to begin to take malaria pills and get some vaccinations for protection while I'm there." 

Although Heather has raised $700 so far, she's halfway there — and has even used some of her own funds to help pay her costs. Any money raised above Heather's goal will be donated to the mission so the residents can get vital items they need. 

This isn't the first time Heather has dipped her toes into helping those less fortunate. 

"I've done a lot of community service throughout middle school and high school, but I've never done anything like this," she says. "I'm really looking forward to changing someone's life for the better and making a difference. I'm using my graduation money along with donations from teachers and family in order to attend the trip. 

Heather plans to attend Central Connecticut State University, majoring in social work. 

Check out her fundraising progress here.